Ambient Air Inflatable Avalanche System with Diagnostic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable avalanche safety systems are limited by single-use functionality, inclusion of combustible or pressurized components that restrict air travel, and complex rearming procedures, as well as a lack of intuitive user feedback on system status and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable avalanche safety system utilizing ambient air for inflation, integrated with a diagnostic system providing visual, audible, and tactile feedback, and a simplified rearming process, allowing multiple deployments and ensuring user safety during travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional systems use compressed gas canisters for inflation, then the inflatable chamber can be rapidly inflated to provide protection, but the system becomes limited to single-use operation and contains explosive hazards restricting air travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the compressed gas canister from the system and replaces it with an electric fan that draws ambient air. This removes the explosive hazard and single-use limitation while maintaining the inflation function. The fan is powered by a rechargeable battery, enabling multiple deployments without replacement of consumable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the inflation mechanism from chemical (compressed gas expansion) to mechanical (electric fan-driven air movement). This parameter change eliminates the explosive nature of compressed gas while achieving the same functional outcome of rapidly inflating the chamber using ambient air.
2Reliability
If conventional systems include combustible or pressurized components, then inflation can be achieved, but the system cannot be transported on airplanes and helicopters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all combustible and pressurized components (gas canisters, fuel cells) and replaces them with an electric fan system powered by a rechargeable battery. This eliminates the restriction on air travel while preserving the inflation function through ambient air intake.
3Device complexity
If conventional systems use single-use canisters, then the system can be simplified in design, but complex rearming procedures are required and user safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rechargeable battery system that allows the fan to be recharged and reused multiple times. This eliminates the need for complex rearming procedures involving canister replacement while maintaining system functionality. The battery can be recharged via standard charging ports, enabling simple user operation.
4Device complexity
If conventional systems lack diagnostic feedback, then the system structure can be simplified, but users cannot intuitively identify system status and may mistakenly assume functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates LED indicators that provide visual feedback on system status, including battery charge level and system readiness. This allows users to intuitively understand system functionality without internal inspection, preventing mistaken assumptions about operational status while adding minimal structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables multiple inflations without explosive hazards, simplifies rearming, and provides intuitive user feedback on system status, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber.
Implementation Method 2
The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel.
Implementation Method 3
The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber.
Implementation Method 4
The inflation system transmits a fluid such as a gas into the inflatable chamber, thus increasing the internal pressure within the inflatable chamber and thereby transitioning the inflatable chamber from the compressed state to the inflated state.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, diagnostic system and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from burial and provide flotation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber. The diagnostic system includes a at least one sensor configured to measure a parameter corresponding to the inflation system and a display configured to visually, audibly, and/or tactilely display the parameter.